Faults:

I have had many problems with my C5, too many to mention.

Many the same as other people; won't start, anti-pollution faults, which I still have after spending loads on getting the fluid topped up, and twice in two weeks it has packed up while driving, a bit scary to say the least.

It has failed to start on average every week, whether starting it from cold, or like sunday while at the skip, when the engine was only off for a few minutes, couldn't find enough people to push it directly into the skip.

One RAC guy said it's the fuses, and the last one has said it could be a wiring fault or the fuel pump relay, but I can't find the fuel pump relay anywhere in the engine. Does anyone now where I can find it please?

Have put up with this car for a year now, but it is so unreliable, and only works when it wants to. Any information would be gratefully appreciated.

Christine.

Faults:

Crankshaft pulley started going - but all HDi's get this problem around 100K.

Warped brake discs - but thats down to the previous owner.

General Comments:

I've found my C5 to be great for motorway cruising, which is all I do in it - it is comfortable & refined.

Performance is OK & fuel economy is great - though it does fall off quickly if you get much above 70. I can average 55 mpg if I keep a bit under 70mph.

Good points:

- Dirt cheap to buy for a modern diesel.

- Reliable - never broken down during 40K miles & car was 5 years old when I got it.

- Huge load lugger.

- Automatic lights.

- Automatic wipers.

- Comfortable seats, like the armrest!

Bad Points:

Cup holders are rubbish.

Climate control is a total waste of time - you always have to adjust the temperature, which kinda defeats the object. Dual zones is nice though, & works well.

Seat belts soon give up, & don't wind in again.

No rear wiper??!

Light bulbs are a nightmare to change, & blow more often, cos auto lights are always turning on & off.

Stereo is decidedly average.

It is big & unwieldy around town - diesel engine is a bit 'all or nothing' in low gears.

Electronics are an annoyance - it's always flashing up warnings for things which are just fine, including oil level, airbag, washers etc... you just learn to ignore the stupid thing, & it shuts up eventually.

The interior trim is rubbish - but you can replace worn trim cheaply enough from Citroen. I've replaced the gear stick & 2 internal door handles, which were peeling rubber off (nasty).

Faults:

Rear brake bolts corroded. This cost £200 with new bolts, new discs and new pads, all service items and required anyway. The locking wheel nut adapter failed, slung the locking wheel nuts, no problem!

Nothing else has required attention outside nprmal service items.

General Comments:

After ten years of Xantia's I was nervous about the replacement. No problem. This car is the best car I have owned in 25 years of driving and 50 vehicles owned. The car cost me £3200 on Ebay and at the time these were £7000 on the forecourts.

It made my XJ6 look and feel like an old boot - so I flogged it!

Ride is excellent and handling is also good provided you understand that body roll is not always a bad thing.

The 2.0 HDi does not pull away as briskly as it does in the Xantia HDi (my rubbish tip run car now) but in gear acceleration is fine - 60mpg is finer still.

We have done some monster drives in this car including 600 mile round trips, and we always arrive feeling fine. This car is comfy.

We have the optional sunroof as well as air con and it is a great piece of kit to have.

Space is excellent and we carried full camping kit (BIG tent) and two kids with stuff for a week including toys to Cornwall from Manchester last year.

My next purchase will be a C5 Estate and I'm after leather and a sunroof. I have read all the horror stories, but there are a few things to be understood about Citroens:

1. You MUST get the diesel.

2. You need to learn about your car so you can identify and diagnose problems before they get out of hand.

3. Always use an independent specialist for service and repair (DIY for filters and fluids of course is easy).

4. Never buy a new one!